Student Choice Assignment #6: Gather to Ohio

Student Choice #3 Section 37-38

Section 37: This revelation was given eight months after the Church was officially organized. Since 6 April 1830, the Church had grown to about 200 Saints in the state of New York; missionary efforts had been extended westward to Kirtland, Ohio, and to the Lamanites primarily living on the borders of Missouri. Missionaries had been particularly successful in the Kirtland area, where they baptized about 127 people during the two or three weeks they spent there on their way to Missouri (HC 1:231). The Church continued to grow rapidly in that area after they departed. 

 

What teachings does God give in section 38 that would comfort, inspire, or challenge a Saint living in New York who is being commanded by the Lord to gather to Ohio? Please give at least four specific references and explanations.

1. D&C 38:2,7   “The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes…mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me.”
This would have been a very comforting statement to the Saints to know that God is among them and knoweth all things. He only wants what is best for them and will never leave them alone.

2. D&C 38:15-16 “Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours. And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons.”
This would have been a challenge to the Saints to hear that they needed to be strong from now on no matter what the trial. I also believe it would have been a challenge and a comfort to know that if they were strong then they would be able to obtain the kingdom.

3. D&C 38:20 “And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.”
I this was a comfort to know that if they were faithful and did as the Lord asked them to do them they would not only allow their children to be blessed but they would be blessed in the eternities. I think it also was a challenge for the saints to obey the laws and commandments God had given them to obey.

4. D&C 38:41 “And let your preaching be the warning voice, very man to his neighbor, in mildness and meekness.”
This would have been a call to inspire and of challenge because missionary work is a challenge especially when many of the early saints had not done a lot of missionary work. It was inspiriting though to know that they could share the gospel with those around them.

What questions could a Saint still have after receiving these two revelations (section 37–38)?

1. Why do we need to go to Ohio and why can’t we go somewhere else?
2. Why do we have to be persecuted so much?
3. What is going to happen once we move to Ohio?
4. How will we survive in Ohio when we will not know anyone?
5. What people should we share the gospel with?

Student Choice Assignment #5: Revelation

What five principles of revelation does the Hiram Page crisis in section 28 teach members of the church?

#1 There is only one person who has higher authority to receive true revelation. “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church except my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.” (D&C 28:2-3)

#2 The only one who was allowed to receive this revelation is the one whom the Lord calls and not anyone else that believes they have been called.

#3 “you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them” (D&C 28:8) Missionary work in the world will go forth no matter what happens and people will always preach the gospel.

#4 “And now, behold I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given here after. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.” (28:9) This shows in support that Hiram Page was not receiving revelation from the Lord that was not true. This also proves that the place of Zion had not yet been revealed.

#5 Revelation from the Lord through his prophet is the only way that modern day revelation can be obtained on the earth today. It is through the prophets that we can gain guidance and wisdom in our lives for today. (D&C 28)

What does section 28 teach you about the tension between personal revelation and agency with prophetic revelation and authority? Which is more important? Why?

Section 28 teaches me about the idea that personal revelation and agency when it comes to prophetic revelation is a very fine line that some people choose to draw. There are some that would think that their own personal revelation on subjects are more important or trump the teachings of the prophet and modern revelation. This though I believe should not be the case, prophetic revelation and authority is extremely important and it is vital that we as Saints listen to this revelation and follow it. The reason for this is because the prophet gets revelation for everyone on this earth and if we do not follow it then we will are not following the commandments that the Lord has set for us.

Student Choice Activity 4: An Elect Lady

10 attributes of an "elect lady" in section 25:

1. Comfort husband in affliction (25:5)
2. Give time to learning and reading much (25:8)
3. Lay aside things of the world (25:10)
4. Seek for things of a better world (25:10)
5. Lift up thy heart and rejoice (25:13)
6. "Cleave unto covenants" (25:13)
7. "Continue in the spirit of meekness" (25:14)
8. "Beware of pride" (25:14)
9. "Let they soul delight in thy husband and the glory which shall come upon him" (25:14)
10. Keep the commandments continually (25:14)

What do you know about Emma's life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?

 The things I do know about Emma's life at this point matches so well with these admonitions because it was at this time and all during Emma's marriage to Joseph that there was much persecution that her and her family had to endure. This could not have been an easy task and as a result these admonitions could be a source of strength to her to know that if she does these things then everything, even despite the persecution would be just fine.
Along with this a great quote from President Joseph Fielding Smith says : “Emma Smith was human, possessing many of the characteristics which are found in most of us. Being the wife of the man whom the Almighty had blessed, she felt, as most women would have felt under like circumstances, that she was entitled to some special favors. It was difficult for her to understand why she could not view the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and other sacred things, which view had been given to special witnesses. At times this human thought caused her to murmur and ask the question of the Prophet why she was denied this privilege.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:125.) This is another great reason that these admonitions match so well with Emma and the life she was leading and the life that she had ahead of her being married to the prophet Joseph Smith.

What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?

I think that things that would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept or appreciate is the idea of laying aside the things of the world and seeking for things of a better world. We live in a society that is so focused on things and having all the things that you want in life like nice cars, big house and expensive clothes. When really it is not those things that matter most in this life and in the life to come because we cannot take these things with us.

In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?

There are many ways that women of the church are different from women of the world. One of the biggest things I feel like is different is the idea that women nurturing and raising their children. It says in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that, " Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." (lds. org, The Family: A Proclamation to the World) This is not something that is even common in the world for the most part but is very common in the church. Another way women of the church are different from women of the world is that their focus in life in general is much different, women of the world focus on a career and themselves before they would think of having a family often times. Women of the church though are taught to of course get an education but that family and the gospel are of the highest importance in this life. 

Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie B. Beck's message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk. 


Sister Beck's talk to me was truly amazing and very inspiring! Although I am not a mother yet and am not married yet either it really made me realize how vital it will be for me to be the kind of mother that she talks about because how I choose to structure my home and teach my children will shape the kind of people that they will become. What a huge responsibility this is and I want to do everything that I can to do it in the best way possible. I love the quote that says:
"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all." (Sister Beck)
I want to be able to have a home like this someday! :)

I also was truly amazed at Elder Maxwell's talk, it truly made me feel appreciated and loved in the great capacity and job I have ahead of me someday as a wife and mother. I could feel how much he loves the sisters of our church and it brought tears to my eyes to know how appreciated we really are. He said :
"We salute you, sisters, for the joy that is yours as you rejoice in a baby’s first smile and as you listen with eager ear to a child’s first day at school which bespeaks a special selflessness. Women, more quickly than others, will understand the possible dangers when the word self is militantly placed before other words like fulfillment. You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms." (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)
I want more then anything to be able to be a mother like this that is so selfless and concerned about the well being of my family and those around me. This truly was another testimony to me of how important the role of motherhood and being a woman is and how precious a blessing it is to have the opportunity to have those roles!
I pray daily that I will be prepared to be the kind of women that Sister Beck and Elder Maxwell describe in their talks because I want nothing more then to have home where the spirit can reside and my family can grow in love, together.

Student Choice Activity 3: The Worth Of Souls is Great

“The worth of a soul is its capacity to become as God.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “The Service That Counts,” Ensign, November 1989, 45)

Find ten meaningful insights into the worth of a soul using the scripture index to find quotes from church leaders.

1. “This high value which the Lord puts upon the souls of men as made known in these modern scriptures, he also revealed to his ancient prophets. To impress upon their minds the worth of a human soul, he gave some of them a glimpse of the magnitude of his creations and then explained that they were but ancillary to the accomplishment of his purpose—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39) (Marion G. Romney October 1978, The Worth of Souls)

2. “Such is the worth of a soul. Surely it “is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). They should be of like value in the sight of men. As God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the eternal life of man, so the desire, hope, and work of every man should be to obtain eternal life for himself. And not for himself only but also for his fellowmen; and it will be when he fully appreciates who and what he is—his nature, origin, destiny, and potentiality.” (Marion G. Romney October 1978, The Worth of Souls)

3. “When we see the effect one person can have on the lives of so many, it perhaps is no wonder that the Lord reminded us, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).

I pray we all might consider what we can do individually to assist those who will be the future great-grandparents, whether a little child, a teenager, or an adult, so that each will leave a righteous legacy of those who know and love the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (Harold G. Hillam, The Worth of Souls, October 2005)

4. “A worthy woman personifies the truly noble and worth while attributes of life. A faithful woman can become a devoted daughter of God—more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish, more anxious to exercise compassion than to exercise dominion, more committed to integrity than to notoriety. And she knows of her own infinite worth.” (Russell M. Nelson, Women-Of Infinite Worth, October 1989)

5. “God grant us the vision as leaders, teachers, and parents to put people first. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. I add my personal witness. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. This is his church. This is his prophet. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.” (Paul H. Dunn, April 1973 Conference, The Worth of Souls is Great!)

6. “Each one of us has a soul to save. Each has the opportunity to obtain eternal life. Since our souls are so precious, we should leave no stone unturned in our effort to save them…The thing which is of most worth unto us is to be in the service of the Lord.

This means that we must not be blinded by the glitter of gold or the allurement of position or pleasure or even the false excitement of sin.

We must open our eyes to the fact that to serve God is the greatest career in the world.

To be saved in his presence is the greatest gift that can come to us, and to bring our family with us into the enjoyment of salvation will be the greatest achievement of our lives.” (Mark E. Peterson, What Will a Man Give?, Ensign Jan 1974)

7. In modern revelation we are told that only those who are devoted to God and his way of life will reach the celestial glory. Only those who go there may become like him.

All others, going to the lesser glories, will be restricted in that they may not become like him.

I ask you here today—where do you want to spend eternity? Where would you like your family to spend eternity?

If you knew that by living the gospel you may have celestial glory rather than a lesser one, would it not be worth the effort to obtain it?...

Whether we realize it or not, we answer that question every day of our lives by what we think and say and do. Our actions demonstrate whether we are working toward becoming like God or the world. (Mark E. Peterson, What Will a Man Give?, Ensign Jan 1974)

8. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (D&C 18:10, 15)

Some may wonder how one soul could be worth the labor of a lifetime. We live in a world of temporal and transitory things. Many fail to understand the nature of man—that his soul is eternal! Man's soul is indeed worth a lifetime of effort to save.

One other thing—the saver of souls, together with him who is saved, shall be found in the kingdom of our Father.” (A. Theodore Tuttle, The Calling of the Seventy, Conference Report, October 1970)

9. “I can understand (at least within my limitations) what the Lord meant when he talked about the worth of souls in his sight. And I believe I may understand it more impressively and movingly today than I have ever understood it before.

May I read you some words with which all are familiar, and read them in context of what has been said?

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
"For behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him" (D&C 18:10-11) (Marion D. Hanks, October 1959, Conference Report)

10. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (D&C 18:10). Of so much worth to God are the souls of men that he sent his Holy Son as his agent of redemption and of mercy and of happiness. Of so much worth are the souls of men to that Son that he gave his life on a cross that we all might enjoy the blessings of eternal life and lasting relationships with loved ones in the progressive, creative future with our Eternal Father that we envision and believe in.” (Marion D. Hanks, 1969 October, Conference Report)

What do you learn in these revelations that helps you better understand the worth of a soul in the eyes of the Lord?

I learned so much from doing this assignment. I was able to learn that no matter who the person is, that every single person on this earth or that ever has been on this earth is a child of God and has an infinite worth to our Father in Heaven. I always remember in Young Women’s saying the theme every week that included infinite worth. I never really understood what it meant but I think that as I have gotten older and especially after this assignment that God truly does love and cherish each and every one of us. Not only does he love us but also he wants us to be happy and has a plan for each of us as individuals. We each have individual qualities that make each of us different but Heavenly Father loves each of us no matter who we are or what we look like!

Describe five meaningful scriptures in these revelations that increase your understanding of the worth of a soul.

1. D&C 18:10 “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”

Every single soul matters and is important in the sight of our Heavenly Father.

2. D&C 18:15 “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”

Each of our souls matters so much to the Lord that he believes that each and every soul is so vital to him and the bringing up of the kingdom of God.

3. Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

Our Heavenly Father shows us that we do have a great worth because he wants us to be able to gain eternal life and immortality.

4. D&C 25:3 “Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.”

A great way to better understand the D&C is to apply it to ourselves and as a result of this it shows me that our heavenly father loves us enough to forgive each of us for our sins. There is no way that we would not have infinite worth if we were not worthy of being forgiven of our sins and being called elect ladies.

5. D&C 24:8 “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.”

Our Father in Heaven loves us enough to stand by us through all of our afflictions and trials and he does this for us because he loves us so much and wants us to return and live with him again.